Does this mean that Iran's secret nuclear weapons program will now come under attack from the RIAA? That could be a win-win war!

I can see a Cory Doctorow novel framework already.

Thinking about it more seriously, this could be a real annoyance. Max volume is well above most peoples' comfort level. Assuming the malware disables software control of sound levels, it would be beyond most end-users' ability to stop without turning off the computer. (Or opening the tower and cutting the power connection to the speakers.) Just imagine getting back from lunch and discovering that one's workspace has been rendered 100% distracting.

Of course, it would have been rather more effective had the malware authors remembered that lunchtime in Iran isn't quite the same as it is in other time zones.

I suppose it depends on what the purpose was. If it was merely to disable their equipment, then it would be better to leave it there undetected. If it is to send a message that we are coming after you and that we can do what we want with your systems, then this makes sense.

What I am curious about is the vector of infection, not of this instance particularly, but in any instance where a nuclear facility and the presumably highly intelligent personnel who operate it are involved. Obviously you can't telnet into the bloody thing. But why would anyone be able to use even a physical medium without great difficulty? Also, would or could a unix environment be as effectively affected?

Got a real hoax vibe here. If that supposed scientist was truly sending such emails, he surely isn't anymore, they won't even bother with a trial for treason.

But I used to get this alot with a colleague of mine, he would leave his cellphone on his desk in the next office with one of the most annoying of ringtones. (No, not J.B.)
He was support manager so was called frequently.
I'm certain most of you have similar experiences. ;)